Investigations continue into Kilkenny house fire

Gardaí in Kilkenny are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a mother and her two daughters in a house fire on Christmas morning.

The deaths were initially believed to be a tragic accident, but detectives now say they are keeping an open mind about the cause of the fire.

Reports this morning say Gardaí believe 30-year-old Sharon Whelan was already dead before the fire destroyed her rented home near the village of Windgap.

Her daughters, aged two and seven, are believed to have died from smoke inhalation.

Gardaí are reportedly waiting for a number of laboratory tests before deciding how to proceed with their investigation.